The HDC Election for At-large and Grid Representatives ran online April 10 through April 15 at 10 p.m. via Survey Monkey. Mail-in ballots were also be accepted and must have been received by April 16 at 5 p.m.
2025 Candidates
Download a PDF of all candidates
At-large representative candidates
Casey Ulrich, grid 10
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I am a husband, a father, a teacher, and currently support licensed educators new to Saint Paul Public Schools to learn, grow, and feel supported in their new position. My ability to listen and build relationships across difference will allow me to make connections with community members and board members. My experience in education will allow me to balance the diverse perspectives of the community while also advocating for those in the community who are traditionally underserved or underrepresented.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
I believe connected and engaged communities are the cornerstone to building a foundation of opportunity for our young people and traditionally marginalized populations. At the same time, vibrant communities are where people prefer to invest – their time, their money, their creative ideas, and their compassion. When we learn to celebrate, understand, and advocate for each other, we learn that our community’s diversity is our strength and allows us to build a more thriving neighborhood for all residents. The mission of the Highland District Council aligns with my core values of service, democracy, and community.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
New development needs to take into account the diverse perspectives of the current residents – both the families that have long histories of living in Highland Park and the more recent immigrant populations that live, learn, work, and play here. I support the city’s proposed amendment to rent stabilization because (1) it continues to protect a majority of residents; (2) it strengthens tenant protections; (3) it encourages future development so our children will not need to face the same affordability crisis many residents currently find themselves in. As a member of the board, I will encourage the community to intentionally include diverse voices in planning for the future to ensure Highland Park continues to be a neighborhood for people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
I will advocate for transportation options that incentivize the use of more climate-friendly transportation options – bike lanes, EV charging stations, bike share. I would also prioritize the nuts and bolts of transportation issues like working with the city to make sure roads and sidewalks are plowed, potholes are filled and with neighbors to ensure sidewalks are shoveled and drains are cleaned. I am also an advocate for Bus Rapid Transit along West 7th to encourage development in the area, more efficiently connect Highland Park to downtown, and serve our neighbors that rely on public transportation.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
As an educator, I have experience working with students and families who face barriers, and I’ve learned the importance of the assets and values they bring to a school community. Similarly, it is imperative we seek out those that have been traditionally left behind – immigrants, black and brown residents, the housing insecure, our very young and our very old – and encourage them to be part of the conversations happening at the Highland District Council. Building on the outreach already established by the HDC, I will encourage partnerships with local schools, religious organizations, and community organizations like the Neighborhood House to tap the wisdom of local institutions with long histories of service in Highland Park.
Frank Jossi, grid 2
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I have extensive experience serving on the HDC and as a leader and a communicator. I have served on the council in total for more than a decade during the 2010s and for the past two years. I served as vice president during the debates over the Highland Bridge Site and also chaired and vice chaired the Community Development Committee. Among my strengths is assisting in crafting resolutions.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
I am a neighborhood guy. The mission matches my mission in life — to support local people and institutions, to buy local, to improve our parks and neighborhoods through volunteering, to create a more robust, diverse and welcoming community in St. Paul and in Highland Park.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
I would ask three questions. Does it enhance the ability of more people from diverse income levels to reside in Highland? Does it offer the appropriate design aesthetic that not only fits the neighborhood but also looks good? (And this can be traditional or modern architecture.) Does the impact isolate neighborhoods or communities, or gate its own residents?
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
Repaving streets to make them safer, not just for cars and bikes, but for pedestrians too. Creating safer crosswalks and sidewalks. Developing a bike lane system in conjunction with the city that gets riders to natural and commercial settings
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
Through providing transportation on a small scale, such as HDC members offering a ride to someone wanting to attend an event. Through offering Metro Transit passes (or a pass) if the event is on a bus line, or helping them set up Zoom so they can participate digitally.
Matt Grotte, grid 6
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I am an Environmental Scientist and previous small-business owner who is always looking for ways to improve. I believe my problem-solving skills and ability to plan and think long term will be beneficial to the Highland Community.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
Effective change often starts at the grassroots level, and the HDC serves as the link between the citizens and driving local governmental change. If we want to see improvements at the city, state, and even the federal levels, it needs to begin here.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
Balancing today’s needs and tomorrow’s desires requires open communication with the people. Incorporating sustainable practices and flexible designs that can adapt to future demand will ensure new development is inclusive and resilient.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
To prioritize transportation resources, I would like to focus on enhancing the safety and normalization of active transportation. I would conduct surveys to understand the areas of concern citizens are experiencing such as crossing zones, lane separating, environmental (lighting or snow/ice); as well as asking drivers what their thoughts are.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
I would implement inclusive strategies such as offering alternative meeting times/locations or making information available in other languages. I would also focus on outreach to ensure that all voices are heard.
Mindy Johnson, grid 6
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I have lived in Highland Park for 10 years and this area of St Paul is such a great community. I have been a volunteer with Ramsey County Master Gardeners since 2019. I care about the environment and well-being of our community.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
I shop locally-owned businesses as much as possible. I use Metro Transit for transportation regularly and am aware of concerns and needs of those who take the bus or light rail. I am an artist and would like to help create more opportunities and events for those interested in participating in art-based activities.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
I believe the key is to listen to both and find common ground to base a foundation to build on.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
I believe the main priorities are safety and frequency of scheduled bus routes.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
The most important need to met is accessibility- that people are aware of how the process works, are kept up to date on information and that the information is readily available.
Shayne Stone, grid 12
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I grew up in Highland Park and I graduated from Highland Park high school in 2013. I came back to live in Highland Park after grad school and am now an Occupational Therapist in the community.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
I have enjoyed seeing the community grow and change throughout my life. I frequent the parks, businesses, and other community spaces in my leisure time. I am a long-standing member at the JCC and I enjoy the sense of community that I feel with my neighbors. I want to help make sure that both current and future generations feel the same sense of “home” in Highland Park.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
While it’s hard to see change happen, I think it’s important to welcome new development of the highland bridge that aligns with Highland Park as a community and creates that sense of “home.” I will aim to actively listen to the voices on all sides of the issue and from all walks of life to help make decisions that best benefit the community for years to come.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
I value the ability to drive safely on well cared for roads. I am also an avid runner/biker and I walk my dog several miles each day. I think it’s important to have safe, accessible, well-lit paths to support more eco-friendly modes of transportation and community engagement.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
I would consider the location of events when helping plan to make sure that they are in spaces accessible to public transport, metro mobility, and that they are ADA compliant. As an occupational therapist I often work on community access with my patients, and can lend a unique hand into making participation easier for people of all abilities.
Wayne Olson, grid 6
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
Throughout my work career as a business leader and executive, I have developed a strong skill set based on listening to others, treating everyone fairly, and addressing issues objectively versus emotionally. I have a solutions-oriented approach that has worked well in achieving alignment toward long-term goals.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
As a near life-long Twin Citian, I am passionately motivated to continue seeing my community grow and prosper. Highland Park reminds me of the town I grew up in: New Brighton MN, where neighbors knew each other, development was steady, and residents felt safe in their community. I believe I can make a positive contribution that will enable Highland Park, Saint Paul, and Minnesota to continue being recognized nationally as a great place to live, work, and play – now and into the future.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
While I believe development is crucial to a growing, safe, and prosperous community, those opportunities cannot be viewed in isolation. Any new development proposal must take into consideration the inputs of the neighboring community. The type, size, and even architecture of a proposal must “fit” the long term needs and vision of the area.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
I believe a safe community is driven by residents and visitors out-and-about in the community. This means a community must be desirable for walkers and bikers. That said, I’m also a realist and understand that American culture is based on driving. I would prioritize expansion of the pedestrian / bicycling infrastructure over new roads, but existing roads cannot be ignored; they need to be properly maintained to enable vehicle traffic in a manner that safely interacts with walkers and bikers.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
As I consider someone like my mom, who is in a nursing home, confined to a wheelchair, and does not interact with modern tech, I believe we need to find a way to bring transparent government to them. If it’s not already happening, I would advocate for HDC to adopt a mobile approach and go visit nursing homes, senior communicates, etc. All voices in Highland Park deserve to be heard.
Grid representative candidates
Grid 1
Anissa Rogness
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I have been politically active in neighborhood, community, and district politics as a Senate District Chair. I have experience in organizing and managing community-wide engagement and outreach efforts. My background is in public policy, lobbying, and government relations.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
Highland Park is where I make my home. I love my neighborhood, its location, the people, amenities, and all that it has to offer
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
It’s important to me to consider and involve the interests of current community members with planning for the future. The future of Highland Park is bright with possibilities for development – but the interests of those already living there must be involved in the planning to make sure its a place that continues to work for all who live, work, learn, and play there.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
Transportation is a critical component of continued development in Highland Park. Public transit, bike lanes, traffic, and parking must all be considered and planned with intention. Also, I am a walker – so, the consideration of sidewalks and walking paths is also important to me.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
Accessibility is essential. I would prioritize making participation open and accessible to all those who want to be involved, making accommodations and removing barriers whenever and wherever possible.
Wolfie Browender
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
My wife and I have lived in Highland Park (where we raised our two daughters) since 1986. My strengths include deep familiarity with and knowledge of Highland, involvement with civic, political and area public school endeavors. Experience with and established connections to some city departments and officials allow me to better cut through red tape that sometimes frustrates solving problems.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
Highland is a fantastic place to live but there are always places to make improvements. The key to the HDC mission is seeking and achieving balance between the varied ideas and positions of residents, businesses and government. Sometimes, this involves looking with a longer-term view at an issue and realizing that change is inevitable so being proactive will give us more of a say.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
I believe a comprehensive survey (or surveys) of teens through senior citizen residents/business people/visitors of the strengths, challenges and needs of Highland would allow the HDC to quantify this. With that information, better informed planning and zoning can do a better job of addressing it.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
Pedestrian safety needs improvement, especially in Highland Village so monetary and informational resources need to go toward this. Bicycle infrastructure is lacking on some arterial streets. I would strongly advocate for allocating money for increased traffic enforcement by Saint Paul police.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
One, by scheduling remote HDC meetings at places such as Sibley Manor, Montreal Hi-Rise, Lexington Landing, Carondelet Village, St. Catherine’s U, etc. and/or arranging rides to meetings for those with obstacles to participating. Two, by continued use of streaming for meetings.
Grid 3
John Kennedy
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I have been an attorney for 13 years and have extensive experience working in all aspects of real estate law including development, title, and lending as well as those areas of the law that intersect with real estate. I am also a husband and father of four girls who wants to see our whole community flourish while maintaining the character we all love. My experience and passion will continue to benefit Grid 3 and the Highland Park Community as a whole at a time when we are seeing greater interest in development and growth.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
As a lifelong resident of St. Paul, husband, father, and homeowner in Highland Park, I have a strong interest in contributing to the health and wellbeing of our neighborhood for future generations. I also come from a large family and many of my siblings and their families continue to live in St. Paul. Contributing to the Highland District Council has been rewarding on a personal level and is the most direct and tangible way to address the needs of our neighbors, make connections with those around us, and to foster the type of community that I want my kids to grow up in and can be proud to call home.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
As a Board member I will continue to keep an open mind about prospective development in the community with a willingness to listen to neighbors’ questions and concerns about development. This includes weighing both the benefits and drawbacks that any prospective development may provide while also considering how to maintain the present character of the neighborhood that first drew its current residents to live in Highland. I have respect for the history and character of Highland as well as a vision for a strong and vibrant future for this community.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
As the Highland Park Community continues to grow, we need to acknowledge that while cars are still an essential mode of transportation, we need to prioritize pedestrian, biking, and public transportation infrastructure and access within the community to promote the health and safety of residents. I will prioritize increased safety measures such as signage, lighting, and clear sightlines for pedestrians and bikers at intersections and crosswalks.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
The Highland District Council has done a great job in the past few years spreading awareness that the Council exists and providing the means to participate. As a Board member I will continue that outreach and invite members of the community to share their needs and desires so that we can lift them up and together address the obstacles they face. Highland Park is a community for all and we need to continue to make reasonable accommodations to allow its residents’ voices to be heard.
Grid 5
Brad Ballinger
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
I have been a Highland Park resident for 33 years, first in Grid 3 and for the last nine years in Grid 5. I am a small business owner, and my clients are nonprofit organizations regionally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. I have also been a board member for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including three times as a Board Chair/President.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
In both places we have lived in Highland Park, my wife and I have been fortunate to have neighbors who have strong ties to one another. Our current neighborhood gets together monthly for connection and socialization with different households sharing hosting duties. This has been a tremendous way to meet and engage with new residents as they move into the neighborhood.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
When we moved here in 1992 we were part of the “new kids” and now we’re part of the “old guard.” I think that’s true for many in Highland; once they put down roots, they stay. In order to avoid “two Highlands,” I would work to ensure that new development (which will attract future community members) still has enough to offer present community members.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
When the sidewalks were installed along Edgcumbe Road in Grid 5, there was a decent amount of uproar over loss of green space, which I could understand. Ultimately, though, the street is more welcoming to walkers and is much safer (especially at night). In balancing the needs of drivers, bikers, and walkers, I would always prioritize safety.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
Just because some of our community members have obstacles related to access, opportunity, or something else doesn’t mean their needs aren’t as important. I would happily meet with them individually, in groups, or with those who advocate for them.
Karl Berg
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
Hello, my name is Karl, I am a current civil servant working for the USDA, and a prospective graduate student (Starting in the fall, I will be working to graduate with a MPP from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota). I have an extensive record of campaign work, specifically for Saura Jost, meaning I have a good sense of local politics already. My strengths are based in my ability to be diplomatic and understanding, of being hard working, and being determined to get what I start finished; all of which would make me an excellent representative for the HDC.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
The statement is meaningful to me because I’ve lived here my whole life. I want my community to become the best community it can be, a place that’s nurturing and vibrant, and hopefully when I have children, I can give them the same, if not a better, neighborhood than the one I grew up with.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
I would hear the concerns and desires of each side, and would engage in discussions until we came to an agreement. The development and wellbeing of our community is not a zero sum game, all of us can benefit despite different desires.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
I would aim to give greater prioritization to non-automobile transit. While cars are obviously the primary method in which residents of the community transit, and we do need to continue to maintain the roads (potholes suck), giving people alternatives can both increase the physical health (more exercise from walking and biking), as well as the social health (think of taking your children to a walk to the local grocery store, walking into your neighbors and striking up a conversation, getting the chance to get to know and become friends with your neighbors) of our community.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
I would give them methods of interaction that enables them to participate at home, such as being able to participate online or via mail. As well, carpooling services would provide members which more opportunities to attend events they might not be able to otherwise. Childcare services being provided at events would also enable the mothers of our community to more easily attend and participate within events.
Grid 7
Lindsay Shimizu
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
As a software consultant, I spend every day developing processes and coordinating projects to achieve mutual-beneficial goals. I’m also able to step back and see things from a variety of perspectives, which helps solve problems before they occur. Highland Park has been my home for the past 9 years; you can often find me walking to our library, and I want to play an active role in improving the community for me and my family.
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
I feel connected to the mission of improving opportunities for all our residents, no matter where in the neighborhood they might live. I also think I bring a unique perspective to the table as an ever-learning ally for racial and social justice. I hope to lend my passion and skills to make a positive impact for all our community members
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
As a resident who plans to be here for a long time to come, I definitely understand the desire to maintain the great community we’ve built, and that traffic, parking, usability, and beauty all have an important impact on the neighborhood. At the same time, one truth about life is that things will change. That’s why I think it’s vital to continue to partner with the city on projects like the new Highland Bridge development, which present an incredible opportunity to envision a more equitable, environmentally-friendly future.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
Safety for everyone regardless of their mode of transport is my first concern. After that, maintaining roads, parking considerations, and increasing charging stations has to be balanced with investing in more eco-friendly options such as walking, biking, and public transport. When you have limited resources, building the future we want to see will only come with compromise.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
As the chair for our Community Engagement Committee the past few years, I helped develop specific recommendations to tackle some of the barriers to participation that I faced as a first-time participant in the Highland District Council. I also helped spearhead a new program to allow young people to more easily participate in the decisions facing our neighborhood. I’d like to continue that work to encourage more diverse voices to get involved, as well as continue to improve visibility and execution on the HDC’s Equity Plan.
Grid 9
Adam Hertell
Tell us about yourself and how you can best leverage your strengths to represent your grid and the Highland Park Community.
My name is Adam Hertell and I’m running to represent Grid 9 on the Highland District Council. My journey of service began in the Air Force, working in military intelligence and law enforcement following the tragic events of 9/11. Today, I continue that commitment by leading an 80+ person team at a non-profit dedicated to protecting public health. For the past five years, my partner Julie and I have made a home in Highland Park, living among friends and nature on Mississippi River Blvd. I am driven now by a desire to help make a difference in our community and would be honored to apply the leadership and problem-solving skills I developed in the military, honed in business school and refined over the last 20 years to listen first, act second and always serve as a passionate advocate for Highland Park!
What makes the Highland District Council mission meaningful to you?
To me, the foundations of a strong community are rooted in safety and opportunity. My experience in law enforcement has shown me that safety plays a foundational role in giving community members the capacity to pursue their dreams and achieve happiness. Building on that foundation, I also believe every one of us deserves access to resources for learning, engagement, and growth. If elected, I will partner with the Community Engagement Committee to advance the Highland District Council’s mission, ensuring a safe and welcoming community where all neighbors can learn, grow, and succeed.
When considering new development, how would you balance the desires of the present community with those of future community members?
It’s an excellent question, highlighting a vital principle: community investments demand a long-term perspective. For me, community engagement is key to achieving this sort of perspective. By seeking out and prioritizing input from residents and businesses during the planning & discussion stages of community projects, we can ensure Highland Park’s projects are not only relevant today, but also adaptable for tomorrow. This collaborative approach will allow the Highland District Council to shape solutions that can meet the community’s evolving needs and stand the test of time.
How would you prioritize transportation resources (such as space and funding) for people walking, biking, and driving?
Highland Park’s inherent beauty and close-knit nature mean many residents rely on our walking and biking paths, as well as surface streets, to move throughout our amazing community on a daily basis. Ensuring safe and efficient passage for all residents is critical, requiring well-maintained infrastructure (streets, paths, sidewalks, etc.) and clear traffic guidance. As your representative, I plan to partner with the Transportation Committee and gather input directly from the community to ensure we develop and advance transportation solutions that are practical and equitable for all Highland Park residents.
How would you consider the needs and desires of members of the community who face obstacles to participation in the public process?
I’m personally committed to using community input to shape the Highland District Council’s priorities and actions, and will always make myself available to connect with neighbors to understand their needs. To act as a voice for all Highland residents, the council must work to connect with folks who don’t always find it easy to participate in traditional public discourse. This involves considering a range of solutions such as implementing a voice-to-text comment system, establishing regular outreach to residents with limited mobility and utilizing web-based translation tools to help capture public feedback. By embracing these approaches, we can ensure all Highland Park residents have a voice in building our shared future!